Lightning Release: Kirin!
A jagged bolt descended from the storm-dark sky like the wrath of heaven itself. The air crackled as the thunderclap shook the very leaves of the forest, illuminating the battlefield in blinding white light.
"Impossible…!" Jiraiya's voice trembled as he raised an arm to shield his eyes. Even atop the great toad Gamabunta, he felt the sheer power of that divine thunderbolt as it struck the ground where Uchiha Yoru had just stood.
Kirin
The lightning scorched the earth, splitting ancient trees and vaporizing the swamp beneath Gamabunta, who let out a deafening roar of pain and fury. Mud, water, and oil hissed and steamed around him as the monstrous toad struggled to regain his footing.
Uchiha Yoru's shared vision spun with lightning—he had invoked Orochimaru's ultimate weapon, the Kirin, by exploiting the typhoon above. His body crackled with static, hair lifted by the charged air, and for a heartbeat he glowed like a living storm.
But as the smoke cleared, Gamabunta's massive form reemerged, battered yet unbroken. Jiraiya, perched on his back, lowered his arms, eyes blazing with determination.
"Even the Kirin can be turned aside," Jiraiya roared. He clenched his fists and gathered chakra at his core. "Bunta—oil!"
With perfect timing, Gamabunta spewed thick toad oil into the devastated crater, dousing the burning embers left by the Kirin. The oil-fed flames hissed and flared, but the great toad's experience turned destruction into opportunity.
Fire Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet
A massive column of fire erupted, hurling upwards into the dissipating stormclouds. The fireball consumed the remaining lightning residue, creating a tornado of flame and smoke that twisted skyward.
Uchiha Yoru, still crackling with leftover static, forced himself to turn. His Sharingan flared—three tomoe spinning—calculating Gamabunta's countermove in an instant.
"Clever… but not enough," Yoru muttered. He leapt from the crest of Manda's head, sword in hand, and vanished into the mist of flame and rain.
"Brat—face me directly!" Jiraiya bellowed, leaping down to confront him.
But the youngster was already behind him, rapid as lightning. Yoru's blade slashed through the humid air, slicing Nuances of rain and flame.
Jiraiya barely twisted aside, the blade grazing his flak jacket. Sparks showered as metal met metal, and the old sage stumbled—never before had he faced such a disciple of Orochimaru.
Between them, Gamabunta and Manda circled warily. Both summoning beasts had been pushed to their limits, yet neither would yield.
From the shadows at the forest's edge, Kakashi, Shisui, and Guy arrived, their eyes taking in the devastation.
"Stay focused," Kakashi warned, his Sharingan reflecting the raging battle. "This isn't about beating the brat—it's about uncovering the truth behind Orochimaru's betrayal."
Might Guy pumped a fist. "Right! We protect the village first—then settle scores later!"
Shisui nodded, lips grim. "If Kirin itself can't end this, then nothing less will."
Above, the storm thundered; below, the earth smoldered. Ninjas watched from the treetops—Hokage's orders to apprehend Orochimaru's rebels had propelled the village into chaos.
Jiraiya, swords crossed with Yoru, locked eyes with the youth. A silent question passed between them: could friendship survive betrayal?
Suddenly, Yoru's blade froze mid-strike. A distant echo reached his ears—the tolling of the great village bell: All five rings—summoning every Leaf shinobi to reinforce the perimeter. Orochimaru's sanctuary was no more; the hunting net had closed.
"Looks like the whole village is on alert," Yoru muttered, stepping back.
Jiraiya's expression softened for an instant. "Brat… I once believed you were special. Don't let darkness consume you."
Yoru's Sharingan flickered; for a moment, remorse trembled in his eyes. Then he straightened, the curse mark's glow pulsing.
"My path is mine alone," he replied coldly, voice low. "Master entrusted me to lead the next era. I will not fail him."
Clang!
Manda lunged, fangs bared, and Gamabunta countered. Their battle resumed with primal fury, summoners and beasts entwined in a dance of legend.
But as the storm broke and dawn's pale light filtered through scorched branches, both sides hesitated.
Lightning and fire, ambition and loyalty—the clash of Sannin had reached its apogee. And in the hush before the final strike, one truth remained: Konoha itself trembled on the brink of a new age—one that would be shaped by the survivors of this storm.
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